Storm Eowyn: Challenges remain across transport network

First Minister John Swinney has asked people to continue to follow Police Scotland advice not to travel during the red weather warning and to be mindful that dangerous conditions will persist for the rest of the evening while the amber warning remains in place.

We’re asking for the continued support of industry as we work to respond to these challenging conditions. The disruption will continue beyond the end of the Red Warning for wind scheduled at 1700 this evening. A further Amber for Wind remains present until 2100 which will continue to present challenging conditions for HGVs.

As of 1600 today, 100,000 households are without power. Responders need to be able to reach communities in order to make repairs. Further overturns of HGVs will impede this effort and cause further disruption. For this reason we are asking for your support to take appropriate steps which will help support people and communities.

The current trunk road and structure closures are as follows; A702 Hillend, A92 Bankhead Roundabout, A83 North of Ardgartan, A898 Erskine Bridge, A876 Clackmannanshire Bridge, A82 South of Luss, M8 J5 Harthill Services, A78 Inverkip Road, Greenock, A92 Tay Road Bridge, M74 (S) J12 Abington, A1 Dunbar, A75 Newton Stewart, A9000 Forth Road Bridge, A1 Thistly Cross and A78 Wemyss Bay.

In addition:

• M90 Queensferry Crossing - Lane 2, of 2, is currently restricted on the M90 Queensferry Crossing due to debris on the carriageway. Drivers should use caution on approach.
• M8 (J3) Livingston - The M8 westbound at junction 3 is currently restricted due to debris on the carriageway. Road users are advised to use caution.
• M9 (E) J7-5 - The M9 is restricted, westbound, between Junction 6 and Junction 7, due to tree debris on the carriageway. Drivers should use caution on approach.
• A77 Kirkoswald - The A77 is currently restricted, in both directions, between Turnberry and Kirkoswald, due to a fallen tree. Drivers should use caution on approach and should expect longer than usual journey times.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Storm Éowyn is an exceptional weather event and is causing significant impacts across Scotland, with multiple reports of fallen trees and blown over vehicles. What the Met Office predicted has come our way, with gusts of 100mph winds reported.

“I want to thank members of the public for largely following Police Scotland’s advice not to travel. However, this storm is not over yet. Even once the red weather warning expires, severe weather warnings for wind, snow and ice remain in place across much of the country tonight and into tomorrow morning.

“A high level of vigilance is still required. There are still too many lorries on the road and I urge all HGVs to follow Police Scotland advice not to travel during the red weather warning.

“We are also seeing reports of multiple power outages across Scotland and expect these to continue over the course of the day. It will take time to recover power and transport services across the country, as conditions still remain too dangerous for recovery teams to operate.

“Utilities companies are focused on supporting their most vulnerable customers and I’d encourage everyone to please look out for each other and take extra care during this time.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland, who is leading the multi-agency response to Storm Eowyn, said:

“We have seen significant disruption across the country, particularly in the areas affected by the red weather warning. First and foremost, our thoughts are with those who have been injured and those impacted by the weather.

“The high winds are forecast to continue, with Amber warnings in place into this evening and tomorrow morning.

“It is concerning that there has been a large number of HGVs on the road. We have responded to 11 incidents so far where HGVs have overturned due to high winds and I want to reiterate the advice that you should not travel in or to areas under the red weather warning. Additionally, I would urge the public to avoid travelling in areas affected by the Amber warning and consider delaying your travel until conditions improve. We don’t ask you to do this lightly and we make this ask with public safety at the forefront of decision-making.

“Roads are likely to be affected by debris for some time to come and motorists should drive with caution when it is safe to return to the roads.”

The disruption will continue beyond the end of the red warning for wind scheduled at 1700 this evening. A further amber warning for wind remains present – until 2100 across the Central Belt and 0600 across the north of Scotland – which will continue to present challenging conditions for HGVs.